A middle-school student’s campaign speech controversy at a Huntington Beach Catholic school has ignited calls for the principal’s removal. Parents allege the student was censored and humiliated over his patriotic beliefs. The dispute has now drawn in law enforcement and sparked a broader debate on school policies.
Parents Demand Principal’s Removal
Parents of a Huntington Beach middle-schooler want the principal fired, citing discrimination against their son’s beliefs. They claim the principal barred their son from giving a campaign speech at a school rally.
Candidate for School Spirit Blocked
Jimmy Heyward, a student at Saint Bonaventure Catholic School, was running for “Commissioner of School Spirit & Patriotism.” His parents allege he was humiliated when Principal Mary Flock stopped him from speaking.
Speech Censored for Patriotism
Hattie Ruggles, Heyward’s mother, claims her son was told to cut all references to patriotism from his speech. Heyward’s speech highlighted respecting veterans and attention during the National Anthem.
Principal Silences Student
Heyward refused to remove the patriotic content from his speech, resulting in him being barred from speaking. He sat on stage while other candidates delivered their speeches, completely sidelined by the principal.
Campaign Slogan Controversy
Social media posts show Heyward with a campaign sign mimicking Trump’s “Make America Great Again,” altered to “Make SBS Great Again.” This added to the controversy surrounding his disqualification.
Confrontation at the Assembly
Heyward’s father confronted the principal and vice principal during the assembly, accusing them of silencing his son for political reasons. The principal then called the police to handle the situation.
Police Intervention
The Huntington Beach Police Department arrived to address the father’s confrontation. Officers informed Heyward’s father he could stay and watch the event with other families.
Allegations of Principal’s Deception
Jimmy Heyward’s mother claims the principal lied in an email to parents about the speech incident. The email stated Heyward couldn’t speak because his final speech version wasn’t approved.
Disputed Email and Police Involvement
The email also justified calling law enforcement for the father’s confrontation, citing safety concerns. This claim is contested by Heyward’s parents, who insist the speech was submitted and viewed on time.
School’s Official Statement
St. Bonaventure Catholic School responded with a statement emphasizing their commitment to a respectful, Christ-centered environment. The school reiterated their policy requiring administrative approval for all student speeches.
Policy on Speech Approval
The school explained that all speeches must align with school values and maintain a respectful tone. They acknowledged the patriotic elements in Heyward’s speech but noted it contained negative comments needing adjustment.
Upholding School Integrity
Despite the controversy, the school stands by its decision to adhere to their established guidelines. They emphasized their commitment to fairness and maintaining a positive learning environment for all students.
